Homemade Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Comfort Baking Recipe

When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? For many, it’s the smell of fresh, warm cinnamon rolls wafting through the house, filling the air with sweet, nostalgic scents. Homemade cinnamon rolls are not just a treat; they’re an experience. The soft, fluffy dough, the rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and the creamy icing—each bite takes you to a place of happiness and warmth. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or as a weekend indulgence, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Let’s dive into how you can create these mouthwatering treats in your own kitchen.

There’s something magical about the process of making homemade cinnamon rolls. As you mix the dough and knead it to perfection, the anticipation builds. Your house begins to smell like a bakery, and you can almost taste the deliciously gooey center before you even take a bite. Best of all, homemade cinnamon rolls are easy to make with a little patience, and once you master the technique, you’ll be able to create this comforting classic whenever you like.

Ingredients: Gather Your Supplies

Before you get started, you’ll need to gather a few simple ingredients. While you may have most of these items already in your kitchen, the key to success lies in the quality of your ingredients and the love you put into making them.

For the Dough:

• 3 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (400g): This is your base. You can even swap a cup for bread flour for a more chewy texture if you’re feeling adventurous.
• 1 packet (2 and 1/4 tsp) instant yeast: Instant yeast is the easiest option, and it doesn’t require proofing, which saves you time.
• 1/4 cup sugar: This adds sweetness to the dough and helps with the yeast’s activation.
• 1/2 tsp salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
• 1 cup warm milk (whole or almond milk): Warm milk helps activate the yeast and makes the dough tender.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: This adds richness to the dough.
• 1 egg: Eggs provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark): The brown sugar gives the filling a rich, caramel-like flavor.
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon: This is the star of the show, infusing the rolls with the unmistakable cinnamon flavor.
• 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter: This makes the filling spreadable and gives it a silky texture.

For the Icing:

• 4 oz cream cheese: Cream cheese adds a tangy sweetness to the icing.
• 2 tbsp butter (softened): Butter makes the icing smooth and rich.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: This sweetens the icing and makes it smooth.
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Vanilla adds depth to the icing and enhances the overall flavor.
• Pinch of salt: A touch of salt in the icing helps balance the sweetness.
• 1-2 tbsp milk: Use milk to adjust the consistency of the icing.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

1. Mixing the Dough

Start by combining the warm milk, yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This shows that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic. Once it’s foamy, add the melted butter, remaining sugar, eggs, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour, a little at a time, until a soft dough starts to form.

2. Kneading the Dough

Once the dough begins to come together, turn it out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for developing the dough’s texture, so don’t rush it. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as you knead, but be careful not to add too much—too much flour will make the rolls dense. Once the dough is smooth and elastic, place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a tea towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

3. Preparing the Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir until well mixed. Next, soften the butter by letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air, then roll it out into a large rectangle (about 16 inches by 10 inches). Spread the softened butter over the dough, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top. Don’t be shy—generously coat the dough with the filling for the most flavorful rolls.

4. Rolling and Cutting

Starting at one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. You want to keep the roll tight, but not so tight that it tears. Once you’ve rolled up the dough, use a sharp knife or a piece of fishing line to slice the dough into 12 even rolls. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; cinnamon rolls are meant to be a little rustic. Cover the pan and let the rolls rise for an additional 30-40 minutes.

5. Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). When the rolls are puffed up and ready, place the pan in the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top. The rolls should be soft in the center but slightly firm around the edges. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking—they’re best when they’re still soft and gooey in the middle.

6. Icing the Rolls

While the cinnamon rolls are baking, you can prepare the icing. In a medium-sized bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the icing reaches your desired consistency. Once the rolls are out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the icing generously over the top. The warm rolls will help the icing melt into all the nooks and crannies.

Nutritional Information: Is It Worth It?

You might be wondering, just how indulgent are these homemade cinnamon rolls? Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown for one serving:

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 320 cal
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

While these cinnamon rolls are a bit indulgent, they’re perfect for a special treat or when you need a little comfort food to brighten your day. Enjoy them guilt-free, and remember: it’s all about balance.

FAQ: Common Questions About Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Conclusion: The Joy of Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

There’s something undeniably comforting about homemade cinnamon rolls. The process of making them may take a little time, but the reward is well worth it. With soft, gooey rolls that melt in your mouth and an icing that brings it all together, these cinnamon rolls are sure to bring joy to your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe will become a go-to favorite. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake a batch of homemade cinnamon rolls that will have everyone coming back for more. Happy baking!

More Delicious Recipes

• Eggnog Bread with Glaze: A festive, spiced quick bread with a sweet glaze—perfect for holiday mornings or cozy brunches, just like cinnamon rolls.
• Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes: Light, cloud-like pancakes that deliver a soft and airy breakfast treat, great for special mornings alongside cinnamon rolls.
• Apple Bread: Moist and full of cinnamon-spiced apple flavor, this comforting loaf is a sweet and simple baked good that pairs well with the warmth of cinnamon rolls.

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Print Recipe

Homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, gooey, and irresistibly sweet with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with creamy icing. Perfect for any occasion, these cinnamon rolls are a warm, comforting treat.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 3 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (400g)
• 1 packet (2 and 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup warm milk (whole or almond milk)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter (for filling)
• 4 oz cream cheese (for icing)
• 2 tbsp butter (softened, for icing)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for icing)
• Pinch of salt (for icing)
• 1-2 tbsp milk (for icing)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add melted butter, remaining sugar, eggs, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Punch down the dough, then roll it out into a 16×10-inch rectangle.
5. Spread softened butter over the dough and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
6. Roll up the dough from the long side, then slice into 12 rolls.
7. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan, cover, and let rise for 30-40 minutes.
8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 22-25 minutes, until golden on top and soft in the center.
9. While baking, prepare the icing by beating cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Add milk to achieve the desired consistency.
10. Once the rolls are done, drizzle the icing over the warm rolls.

Notes

• Feel free to experiment by adding chopped nuts or raisins to the filling.
• If you want to make these overnight, let the rolls rise the first time, then refrigerate overnight and bake the next morning after allowing them to warm up.
• If you accidentally overbake, reheat the rolls in the microwave with a damp paper towel to restore softness.
• For a different flavor, you can substitute the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice.